A new study using a cheap and widely available anti-depressant appears to support a claim that it can help reduce the chances of severe COVID-19.
The trial focused on 1,500 COVID-19 patients in Brazil who took the drug fluvoxamine. It appeared that those who took it were less likely to require hospitalization.
The drug is known as Luvox and available almost anywhere. It is also cheap. The drug is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
The study was published in the medical journal The Lancet.
The study have 741 COVID-19 patients Luvox, and 756 patients a placebo for ten days.
79 people who took Luvox needed to be hospitalized, or 11%, compared to the 16% who took the placebo.
More research needs to be completed, but if it’s found to be effective the drug is relatively cheap and only costs $4 for a ten day supply.
Related: Merck announces COVID pill cuts hospitalization and death rates in half, seeks FDA approval
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